46 public universities sign Annual Performance Agreement with UGC

Some 46 public universities of the country signed an Annual Performance Agreement (APA) with University Grants Commission (UGC) of Bangladesh for fiscal year 2019-2020 under Performance Management Framework Policy of the government. The goals of the agreement are to establish good governance and excellence at the higher educational institutions.

Professor Dr. Kazi Shahidullah, Chairman, UGC attended the signing ceremony as the Chief Guest. With Professor Dr. M. Shah Nowaz Ali, Member, UGC in the Chair, UGC Members- Professor Dr. Md. Akhtar Hossain, Professor Dr. Dil Afroza Begum, Professor Dr. Md. Sazzad Hossain and Professor Dr. Muhammed Alamgir were present on the occasion.

Dr. Md. Khaled, Secretary, UGC and registrars of the concerned universities signed the agreement on behalf of their respective organizations at UGC on 20 June 2019.

Addressing the programme, Professor Dr. Kazi Shahidullah said the main responsibility of UGC is to ensure quality higher education in the country. “Quality education is slipping. Everyone questions about the quality of education. We need to seriously look into it.” The UGC Chairman sought cooperation from teachers and other relevant stakeholders to ensure quality of tertiary level education. He also said UGC will pay special attention on university rankings issue.

Terming teachers as the backbone of a nation, he noted that the teachers’ community should be more committed and dedicated for the wellbeing of the country. “Nation expects more from the teachers’ community. We need to be focused and result oriented.” He emphasized on ensuring good governance, transparency and accountability at the university level to curb corruption and other malpractices. He suggested for producing skilled workforce to meet up the future challenges.

Professor Dr. Md Akhtaruzzaman, Vice-Chancellor, Dhaka University, Professor Dr. Farzana Islam, Vice-Chancellor, Jahangirnagar University and Professor Dr. Kanak Kanti Barua, Vice-Chancellor, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University, spoke at the event. Vice-Chancellors, Registrars, focal points of APA, high officials from Ministry of Education and UGC were present on the occasion.